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What Causes Persistent Depression Despite Taking Medication?
Question: I am a healty 63 yo female. I suffered a ruptured appe complicated by "mild ARDS" and was on oxygen for a week this past August. I was finally able to quit my 45 y smoking habit cold turkey while in the hospital 9 weeks and 2 days ago. I am on Cymbalta and Welbutrin but I cry at the drop of a hat and cant stop. (3 hours so far today). This depression or whatever it is has caused me to start smoking again after previous attempts because the emotional lability is painful and embarrassing. Can I double up on one of the antidepressants for a short period of time? when will this get better?
Brief Answer:
It takes 4-6 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I need to know the dose of medications before I can suggest whether you can increase it or not. The starting dose of wellbutrin is 150 mg per day and effective dose ranges between 150-600 mg per day. Similarly for dulexitine the effective dose is 30-120 mg per day.
In case you have started medication few dose back only it is better to wait for 2-3 weeks before you decide to increase the dose of medication. This is the minimum required time for these medications to show effect and full effect may take four to six weeks.
I also like to inform you that emotional lability better responds to TCAs and dextromethorphan (FDA approved).
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
It takes 4-6 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I need to know the dose of medications before I can suggest whether you can increase it or not. The starting dose of wellbutrin is 150 mg per day and effective dose ranges between 150-600 mg per day. Similarly for dulexitine the effective dose is 30-120 mg per day.
In case you have started medication few dose back only it is better to wait for 2-3 weeks before you decide to increase the dose of medication. This is the minimum required time for these medications to show effect and full effect may take four to six weeks.
I also like to inform you that emotional lability better responds to TCAs and dextromethorphan (FDA approved).
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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